Canberra is home to more than 33,900 small businesses. In this special feature, CityNews celebrates the hard work of small business in Canberra.

Small business is the lifeblood of the economy, says Canberra Business Chamber CEO Greg Harford.

“Small businesses keep our city vibrant and colourful and we want them to thrive,” he says.

With a rising cost of business and consumer demand, Greg says it’s now more important than ever to support Canberra SME (small to medium enterprises) businesses to continue to have a choice of dynamism.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2023), there were more than 33,900 small businesses in the ACT.

And the highest number of small businesses are in Civic (with 1450), Fyshwick (1448), Kingston (907), Deakin (764) and Gungahlin (764).

The Australian Fair Work Commission defines a small business as an organisation employing no more than 15 people, regardless of their working  full time, part time or casual.

The ABS classifies an SME as an organisation that employs from 20 to 199 people.

In its 2023-24 data, there was a 5.7 per cent increase in SME businesses Australia wide, bringing the total number to 68,214.

There was a 1.4 per cent decrease in small businesses Australia wide, to 693,558.

Here are some of Canberra’s hard-working SMEs and small-business operators.

James and Taylor say it’s a ‘no-brainer’ to shop small

Nearing 30 years of experience in picking out furniture, Ex-Government Furniture co-owner James Fullerton says supporting small businesses helps keep the local economy afloat and ensures customers are getting a great deal.

“Day in, day out, we are a small business that is supporting other small businesses,” he says.

“You know who you’re dealing with and know you’re less likely to have a problem as it’s a real person in front of you.

“There’s more at stake for us, so you know there’s more effort being put in.”

James and his co-owner Taylor Radnell are operating from their new warehouse in Fyshwick with a large range of furniture with something to suit everyone.

“We get new furniture every week, so there is never a shortage of pieces,” he says.

“We are building more trust in the community,” he says.

“It’s a no-brainer to shop small.

“You’re getting a great deal with better service.”

Ex-Government Furniture, 26 Molonglo Mall, Fyshwick. Call 0438 204 542 or visit exgovfurniture.com and on facebook and instagram at exgovfurniture

 

Steve says every client’s financial journey is different

Offering more than just financial advice, DW Private Wealth principal and financial adviser Steve Wang says they provide clients with a “clear, personalised strategy to grow, protect and pass on their wealth.”

“Our tailored approach, combined with deep expertise and a genuine focus on long-term relationships is what sets us apart,” he says.

“Trust is at the foundation of everything we do and our clients rely on us to provide advice that’s not only technically sound, but also aligned with their best interests.”

Working with professionals, business owners and high-net-worth individuals who want to make confident, informed financial decisions, Steve says every client’s journey is different, which is why they cater their advice to each individual.

“We take the time to understand their goals, family situation, values and risk appetite before designing a plan that reflects where they are today and where they want to be tomorrow,” he says.

“Whether they’re building wealth, transitioning to retirement or thinking about intergenerational planning, we’re here to provide clarity and structure.”

Steve says it’s never too early or late to take charge of finances.

“Start with a conversation,” he says.

“With the right advice and a well-structured plan, you can turn uncertainty into confidence and build a future with purpose.”

DW Private Wealth. Level 1, Unit 6-8/45 Novar Street, Yarralumla. Call 6154 6150 or visit dwprivatewealth.com.au

Pat knows what working people want in safety gear

With more than 90 years of combined industry experience, Seears Workwear owner Pat Seears says the team is the “biggest and best in the business” when it comes to providing safety gear and equipment.

“We know what working people are after”, says Pat, who runs the business with his son Shane.

Pat says Seears Workwear has grown to provide one of the largest ranges of workwear in Australia.

“We have brands such as Akubra, Rockport, Swanndri, Levis, FXD and Timberland just to name a few,” he says.

Seears first opened in 2002 in a much smaller version of the shop today. Beyond hi-vis clothing, safety boots and safety equipment, it also sells a huge range of outdoor clothing, casual boots, Leatherman tools, ice boxes and torches.

“Everything is the best quality from the best manufacturers,” says Pat.

Located on Barrier Street,Fyshwick, he also says they stock a wide range of safety boots, from brands such as Steel Blue, Puma, Blundstone, New Balance and Mongrel. Customers after height safety, safety cones, barriers, safety tapes, spill kits and fire extinguishers are also well catered for.

Seears Workwear can also assist companies through their corporate uniform services, which provide customised embroidery and printing for promotional clothing and business uniforms.

Seears Workwear, 60 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Visit seearsworkwear.com.au or call 6280 4111.

Christy’s a trusted local choice for body sculpting

Family owned and locally operated, Total Body Contouring owner Christy Christensen says she is proud to be working with cutting-edge technology to help Canberrans feel like the best version of themselves.

“We are Canberra’s trusted local choice for body contouring, offering expert care and results our clients love,” she says.

With years of collective experience within the organisation, Christy says they are constantly keeping up to date with new and revolutionary technology to create a pain-free experience.

Their newest machine, the emerald laser, is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared, fat reduction treatment that uses low-level green laser technology to shrink fat cells without pain or downtime.

“The emerald laser is suitable for individuals with a BMI up to 40 and helps reduce body circumference safely and effectively,” says Christy.

“With no bruising or swelling, it’s a gentle and convenient option for those seeking non-invasive body contouring.”

Exclusive to Total Body Contouring in Canberra, Christy says the technology benefits fat loss and enhances how clients feel about their body.

With up to 50 per cent off some treatments, Christy says it’s a good time to prioritise yourself to feel and look great.

“We also offer private complimentary skin and body consultations to accurately pinpoint what services would best benefit you.”

Total Body Contouring, Shop 3/22 Franklin Street, Griffith. Call 6239 7347 or visit totalbodycontouring.com.au

Theresa is living the dream, one sweet bite at a time

Now almost 10 years in remission from breast cancer, baker and business owner Theresa Patsos says baking has been a valuable form of therapy for her after she lost all feeling in her fingers from her treatment.

“I love to bake for family and friends and I noticed a little tingle in the tips of my fingers when I started to bake,” she says.

“The more I baked and iced cookies, the more I noticed the numbness in my fingers lessening.

“I realised that cookie making was my healing therapy.”

Opening her business Sweet Bite Made with Love by Me in 2019, Theresa now works as a full time baker.

Specialising in corporate cookies, cakes and cupcakes, Theresa says she is living the dream to be running her own baking business.

A one-woman show, Theresa says she enjoys ensuring every order is baked, packed and delivered perfectly.

“I’ve gone from owning a shoe shop to operating a bakery business,” she says. “And I love it.”

Theresa also offers a Turkish coffee fortune-telling service (similar to reading tea leaves).

“It works out really well because coffee and cookies go so well together!” she says.

Sweet Bite Made with Love by Me. Visit Instagram at madewluvbyme or Facebook at Made With Love By Me

Raffy’s dedicated to empowering women in business

Founded by Raffy Sgroi, HerZest is committed to empowering and uplifting small businesses with a focus on women in business and leadership.

HerZest executive officer Davina Brown says their mission is to provide a dynamic platform where entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals can come together to “learn, thrive and collaborate”.

“HerZest is a dynamic network designed to support, inspire and uplift women in business, leadership and life,” she says.

“We have created a safe and supportive space where women can truly show up as themselves and celebrate each woman’s unique journey while championing her goals.”

According to Davina, every woman deserves a tribe that empowers her.

“HerZest is that tribe,” she says.

Whether clients are dealing with start-up launches, team leadership or seeking fresh energy for their career, Davina says Her Zest provides mentorship, networking and motivation to get them flourishing.

“Our mission is to provide a dynamic platform where entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals can come together to learn, thrive and collaborate,” she says.

“We believe that success is not just about revenue growth or milestones. True success lies in continuous learning, personal growth and fostering meaningful connections.”

HerZest. Call 0414 907921 or visit zestcanberra.com.au

Daniella offers digital marketing with the personal touch

For seven years, Daniella Pozzolungo and husband Mihajlo have been running their company PupDigital, providing digital marketing expertise.

Based in the ACT and servicing clients nationally, Danielle says their combined experience in marketing made a big impact on why they decided to start their own business.

“We both came from really different backgrounds and I couldn’t help but think that we could do it better than these big corporations,” she says.

From Google and Meta ads to website design, Daniella says they cover a wide variety of services, including social media management.

“We make it simple and easy to understand with quality, down-to-earth marketing services,” she says.

A family run business, Daniella says they don’t outsource anything ensuring their focus is entirely on their customer’s experience and outcome.

“We focus on getting you results that matter,” she says. “We don’t just set and forget, we’re constantly monitoring and refining our approach to increase the value from our campaigns.”

According to Daniella, they don’t take a “cookie-cutter approach”, understanding that no two businesses are alike.

“Supporting small businesses, such as ours, is very important as we are supporting the local economy and ensuring our customers are getting the best possible service,” she says.

PupDigital. Email hello@pupdigital.com.au or visit pupdigital.com.au

Dale’s dance classes that are good for all ages

From a waltz to a samba, Dale’s Ballroom Dancing has been offering dance classes for more than 25 years.

With more than 30 years of experience, Dale Harris says dancing is for everyone. “Our adult classes are open to anyone and we are happy to adapt to suit the needs of our audience,” she says.

Currently, Dale offers two levels of expertise in her adult classes on Wednesday nights.

Her beginner classes go from 7.30pm-8.30pm and cover the basics of a variety of dances, her intermediate/advanced class level, from 8.30pm-9.30pm, tackle the harder dance skills to learn.

“Dancing is 10 times better than doing a crossword puzzle at the table or taking the dog for a walk,” she says. “It keeps your brain and body active while you think about the steps and move.

Recently moving to the Weston Neighbourhood Hall to host her adult classes, Dale offers seven-week courses, although she says it’s also okay to “just turn up”.

Dale’s next seven-week course starts on July 30 for anyone wishing to start from the beginning.

A new selection of kids’ medal classes for students up to 19 years old are also available to book, with semester two starting on July 3.

Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, Hilder Street & Gritten Street, Weston. Call 0407 066110 or visit dalesballroomdancing.com

Kim’s crew are renovators who care about getting it right

Specialising in helping homeowners transform their properties with high-quality, value-adding renovations, owner Kim Persson says they manage the entire process to ensure it’s smooth, efficient and stress-free.

Kim, a trusted leader in “renovate-to-sell” projects, has overseen more than 100 successful renovations and helped over 50 homeowners boost their sale price, however she says they do more than just prepare homes for sale – they also help clients reimagine the way they live.

Renovation Matters also specialises in double-glazing windows and doors as well as heating upgrades, essential features that Kim says enhance energy efficiency and comfort, particularly in Canberra’s colder months.

From planning and budgeting to the final reveal, Kim and her team guide clients through every step of the renovation journey.

Their strong relationships with Canberra’s best trades and suppliers ensure quality outcomes and trusted support.

“Whether it’s helping someone fall back in love with where they live or turning a tired home into a standout property ready for sale, it’s incredibly rewarding,” she says.

“I love what I do and feel lucky to work with some of Canberra’s most skilled and dedicated tradespeople.

“When you choose Renovation Matters, you’re choosing a team that values quality, trust, and heart, and delivers results you’ll love.”

Renovation Matters. Call 0427 696662, or visit renovationmatters.com.au

Anne says family practice brings quality care

Opening in 2023, Brindabella Medical Centre practice manager Anne Lowes says their doctors believe in ensuring every patient receives care that respects their wishes and needs.

“Brindabella Medical Centre is not about volume, we are about quality care,” she says. Committed to ethical practice, Anne says their doctors care about their patients and take the time to listen and learn about each individual ensuring they cater to their patient’s needs.

“It’s a comforting feeling knowing when you go to the doctor, you will always be seeing your doctor, who knows you and your history,” she says.

“It’s important that our patients aren’t starting over every time with a stranger and being required to tell their story over and over again.”

Being a SME business, Anne says the medical centre feels like a family and she’s grateful there isn’t a “corporate feel”.

According to Anne, their team of nurses, doctors and reception workers are some of the “most beautiful, kind and genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.”

A mixed-billing practice, Anne says they also have an onsite pathology five days a week.

“We strive to deliver outstanding healthcare services and are committed to improving the overall health of the community,” she says.

Brindabella Medical Centre. Suite 2/80 Morisset Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6188 8400 or visit brindabellamc.com.au

Can’t imagine life without gardens

Only four years into owning her own landscaping business, Panacea Landscapes owner Shannon Blackbourn has already won a couple of awards.

She scored first prize at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show in the Balcony Garden Competitions in 2024 and secured third place in her 2025 submission.

Working in the landscaping industry since age 16, Shannon says owning her own business has been “a rollercoaster, but one I wouldn’t have any other way”.

“My introduction to horticulture was as a young child, in my Grandma Shirley’s garden,” she says. “All the places Shirley lived were full of beautiful flowers and although I didn’t realise it at the time, it would be my chosen path.”

Leaving school at 16 to begin her work in landscaping, Shannon says she is thankful for the local gardener and landscaper who took a chance on her despite her lack of experience.

“He took a chance on me even though I didn’t even know how to mix two stroke petrol or that there was even more than one type of grass!” she says.

Now working on projects from tiny gardens to large estates, Shannon says she can’t imagine a life without gardens.

“I didn’t get the chance to think about juggling a business and family, it all just happened at once,” she says.

“I plan to keep going and hope one day to mentor other young people in the industry and give back the opportunities and guidance that was given to me.”

Panacea Landscapes. Visit panacealandscapes.com or call 0498 287789.